ANRPC Expects Better–Than–Expected Recovery in NR

ANRPC Expects Better–Than–Expected Recovery in NR

As per the Association of Natural Rubber Producing Countries (ANRPC), the global production of natural rubber (NR) is expected to increase by 3.9 percent, year-on-year, to 1.283 million tonnes, while the global demand is expected to grow faster at eight percent, year-on-year, to 1.266 million tonnes during July 2022.

On the price front, the prices of natural rubber in July 2022 have edged lower as compared to June 2022 amid a gloomy global economic outlook, as released by International Monetary Fund (IMF) at 3.2 percent for 2022, lower than the 0.4 percent point in corresponding to its earlier forecast in April 2022.

The ANRPC report added, "Despite concerns on the slowdown of China's economy, the Government has introduced various measures including Central Bank cuts interest rates to stimulate the economic recovery from lockdowns and worsening of real estate crisis. While China's auto sales have further improved in July 2022, supported by lower sales tax and incentives for electric vehicles and also anticipating more sales in the coming months . This may lead to a better-than-expected recovery in the NR market. Moreover, the NR market, especially NR exporting countries, are benefiting from the relatively strong US dollar as it encourages more exports."

Kraton Corporation Announces Price Hike For Polymer Products

Kraton Corporation Announces Price Hike For Polymer Products

Kraton Corporation, a leading global producer of speciality polymers and high-value bio-based chemicals derived from pine wood pulping co-products, a global price increase for all polymer products with effect from 1 April 2026. The price hike will range from USD 440 per MT to USD 700 per MT, or as individual contract terms permit, with the exact price change varying according to the polymer type and production location.

The driving forces behind these significant pricing actions are multifaceted, rooted in substantial disruptions to global supply chains. These disruptions are largely attributed to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which has had a cascading effect on logistics. Compounding this issue are the sharply rising costs associated with transportation and essential raw materials.

LANXESS Announces Price Hike For Rubber Additives

LANXESS Announces Price Hike For Rubber Additives

German specialty chemicals company LANXESS has announced a global price increase for its portfolio of functional additives for the manufacture of tyres and speciality rubbers. These changes, which are set to take effect immediately or as soon as individual contract terms permit, will see prices rise by 15 to 50 percent.

The driving forces behind these significant pricing actions are multifaceted, rooted in substantial disruptions to global supply chains. These disruptions are largely attributed to the ongoing geopolitical conflict, which has had a cascading effect on logistics. Compounding this issue are the sharply rising costs associated with transportation and essential raw materials.

Orion S.A. Announces Price Hike For Speciality Carbon Black

Orion S.A. Announces Price Hike For Speciality Carbon Black

Orion S.A., a global speciality chemicals company, has announced a global price increase for its portfolio of speciality carbon black. These changes, which are set to take effect immediately or as soon as individual contract terms permit, will see prices rise by up to 25 percent.

In a strategic move to address persistent market volatility, the company is also implementing a variable surcharge on top of the base price increase. The driving forces behind these significant pricing actions are multifaceted, rooted in substantial disruptions to global supply chains. These disruptions are largely attributed to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which has had a cascading effect on logistics. Compounding this issue are the sharply rising costs associated with transportation and essential raw materials.

WACKER Announces Price Hike For Polymers Product Range

WACKER Announces Price Hike For Polymers Product Range

German chemical group WACKER has announced a price hike across its global polymers portfolio, responding directly to significant upheavals in international commodity markets triggered by the recent military conflict in the Middle East. This geopolitical instability has created pronounced distortions throughout the supply chain, leading to a sharp escalation in the costs of essential inputs. The company is experiencing substantially higher prices for crude oil and natural gas as well as for various other raw materials and logistics services.

To address this challenging economic landscape and offset the considerable burden of increased raw material and transportation expenses, the chemical group is implementing price adjustments effective 1 April 2026. The updated pricing will apply to several key product categories, specifically including polymer dispersions, a variety of resins and dispersible polymer powders. This strategic move is essential for the company to maintain operational stability and continue delivering its products reliably amidst the volatile market conditions.

The final scale of these price increases is not a fixed, across-the-board figure but will be determined by specific variables. It will largely depend on the original source of the product, with goods manufactured at the company’s European and Asian production sites being most affected. Furthermore, the terms outlined in existing customer contracts will also play a crucial role in defining the exact extent of the adjustment, ensuring a tailored approach to the implementation of this necessary price correction.